"TruckSafe operators are twice as safe as non-accredited operators, and NSW figures show that trucks in the scheme have fewer mechanical defects than non-accredited trucks or trucks in the government compliance scheme, NHVAS.

"As one of the founding members of the scheme, and its long-serving chairman, Mike has made a vital contribution to improving the safety of the trucking industry and Australia's roads.

"My own company, Simon National Carriers, is in the TruckSafe program. I can attest to its value from my experience has an operator: it has provided us with a sound platform to document, improve and verify our compliance with our safety obligations."

In addition to his contribution to the TruckSafe program, Mike Almond was the chairman of the ATA from 2002 to 2004 and remains a director.

He is managing director of Mountain Industries, a highly regarded logistics company that transports, stores and manages bulk materials.

Mr Simon congratulated the managing director of the PGA Group, Peter Gunn, who was made a Member of the Order of the Australia for services to the transport industry and the development of innovative freight logistics strategies.

"Peter pioneered the development of road and rail transport vehicles capable of carrying greater cubic volumes, and was a director of ATA Trust from 1995 to 2005," he said.